Representative Sommer gets to know Connect Transit

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:15:06 CSTBy: Charlie Schlenker

State Representative Keith Sommer rode the bus in Bloomington today. Sommer says he hasn't taken the bus much in recent years, but the Morton Republican says he is interested in getting to know his new constituents and learn more about Connect Transit.

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"The response from all of them was positive. They were able to use the system efficiently and get to where they wanted to go. Sure, people may have an opinion as well; I wish it went to this facility, so I didn't have to walk to get to a particular store, but in general positive comments that I received."

Sommer was also gauging whether to support a three million dollar grant request by Connect Transit to the State Transportation Department for new busses.

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"A small percentage of sales tax within those communities and counties that have mass transit districts, periodically when monies build up in that fund. Those money are made available to transit districts."

Sommer says it is not new state spending. He says he will sign a letter promoting the grant application. In January, Sommer will represent two thirds of Bloomington for the first time, after winning an unnopposed election to the newly drawn district.